A new study links narcissism and self-esteem to parents' treatment of their children.

Think you’re God’s gift to man? Take a hard look at your parents.

A new study from the Netherlands finds that being overvalued as a child by one’s parents – told you’re more special, for example – may lead to the development of narcissism.

“Children seem to acquire narcissism, in part, by internalizing parents’ inflated views of them,” the study said, such as “‘I am superior to others’ and ‘I am entitled to privileges.’”

The results apparently undercut a previous theory that suggested narcissism emerges from lack of parental warmth. The amount of emotional warmth, however, did predict children’s levels of self-esteem.

“These findings are consistent with the view that children come to see themselves as they believe to be seen by others, as if they learn to see themselves through others’ eyes,” the study said.

The difference between narcissism and self-esteem, the study authors said, quoting a 1998 study, is “high self-esteem means thinking well of oneself, whereas narcissism involves passionately wanting to think well of oneself.”

Researchers from the University of Amsterdam surveyed 565 children ages 7 to 11 — a critical period of childhood development during which narcissistic traits begin to emerge — as well as their parents, 415 mothers and 290 fathers.

Parents also responded to questionnaires determining both what the study called “parental overvaluation” (“my child is more special than other children”) and emotional warmth (“I let my child know I love him/her”).

The apparent association between parents’ having an inflated view of their children, and those children then becoming narcissists, was ultimately “modest in size,” the researchers acknowledged, yet it still went “above and beyond” any influence from “parents’ own narcissism levels.”

Still, deciding how to cope with those insufferable coworkers or friends or significant others or frenemies once they reach adulthood — that may take a whole other study.

The study, funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, was published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

A new study links narcissism and self-esteem to parents' treatment of their children.

Think you’re God’s gift to man? Take a hard look at your parents.

A new study from the Netherlands finds that being overvalued as a child by one’s parents – told you’re more special, for example – may lead to the development of narcissism.

“Children seem to acquire narcissism, in part, by internalizing parents’ inflated views of them,” the study said, such as “‘I am superior to others’ and ‘I am entitled to privileges.’”

The results apparently undercut a previous theory that suggested narcissism emerges from lack of parental warmth. The amount of emotional warmth, however, did predict children’s levels of self-esteem.

“These findings are consistent with the view that children come to see themselves as they believe to be seen by others, as if they learn to see themselves through others’ eyes,” the study said.

The difference between narcissism and self-esteem, the study authors said, quoting a 1998 study, is “high self-esteem means thinking well of oneself, whereas narcissism involves passionately wanting to think well of oneself.”

Researchers from the University of Amsterdam surveyed 565 children ages 7 to 11 — a critical period of childhood development during which narcissistic traits begin to emerge — as well as their parents, 415 mothers and 290 fathers.

Parents also responded to questionnaires determining both what the study called “parental overvaluation” (“my child is more special than other children”) and emotional warmth (“I let my child know I love him/her”).

The apparent association between parents’ having an inflated view of their children, and those children then becoming narcissists, was ultimately “modest in size,” the researchers acknowledged, yet it still went “above and beyond” any influence from “parents’ own narcissism levels.”

Still, deciding how to cope with those insufferable coworkers or friends or significant others or frenemies once they reach adulthood — that may take a whole other study.

The study, funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, was published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

I know, it obvious a study wasn't necessary to come to this conclusion. Also, the people who need to be aware of it will be oblivious, especially narcissists and the parents who are raising them, so it's basically an exercise in futility.

I know, it obvious a study wasn't necessary to come to this conclusion. Also, the people who need to be aware of it will be oblivious, especially narcissists and the parents who are raising them, so it's basically an exercise in futility.

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultraconfidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. You may be generally unhappy and disappointed when you're not given the special favors or admiration you believe you deserve. Others may not enjoy being around you, and you may find your relationships unfulfilling.

Narcissistic personality disorder is one of several types of personality disorders. Personality disorders are conditions in which people have traits that cause them to feel and behave in socially distressing ways, limiting their ability to function in relationships and other areas of their life, such as work or school.

If you have narcissistic personality disorder, you may come across as conceited, boastful or pretentious. You often monopolize conversations. You may belittle or look down on people you perceive as inferior. You may feel a sense of entitlement — and when you don't receive special treatment, you may become impatient or angry. You may insist on having "the best" of everything — for instance, the best car, athletic club or medical care.

At the same time, you have trouble handling anything that may be perceived as criticism. You may have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation. To feel better, you may react with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make yourself appear superior. Or you may feel depressed and moody because you fall short of perfection.

Many experts use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to diagnose mental conditions. This manual is also used by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.

DSM-5 criteria for narcissistic personality disorder include these features:

Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

Expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it

Exaggerating your achievements and talents

Being preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate

Believing that you are superior and can only be understood by or associate with equally special people

Requiring constant admiration

Having a sense of entitlement

Expecting special favors and unquestioning compliance with your expectations

Taking advantage of others to get what you want

Having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others

Being envious of others and believing others envy you

Behaving in an arrogant or haughty manner

Although some features of narcissistic personality disorder may seem like having confidence, it's not the same. Narcissistic personality disorder crosses the border of healthy confidence into thinking so highly of yourself that you put yourself on a pedestal and value yourself more than you value others.